unfortunately I am not sure there is any way humanly possible to reach that area with JB Weld or prep it properly.

even getting those photos with the zoom was a borderline illegal feat of human contortion.

But the bigger issue is that I am not even 100% sure the leak is coming from there, exactly where I am seeing. If you can see in the pic, the area above AND below the gasket both look dry. which is why this is confusing.

I am tempted to see if I can remove that bracket and get some better visibility. I suppose I could always do the UV dye thing too.

re: the imperfect torque pattern, I am 100% sure (and have an Xoutpost witness ; ) that we followed the inside-out pattern. given I didn't use a torque angle gauge I suppose it might not be perfect but honestly don't understand how that gasket could be getting bunched like that. Even if it were say 15 degrees off, that last torque-angling doesn't add a ton of additional clamping pressure. it's just the bolt-stretch.

I think I need another set of eyes on it. Some older, experienced BMW guy eyes who might be able to help me come up with some creative suggestions for this and the timing cover noise (if that's where it's coming from). I cranked it once today and there was hardly any clackety noise at all. I had stethoscope on the timing cover but couldn't hear anything of note.

Kind of a standstill right now until I can get some clarity on those two issues.

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2005 X5 3.0i - 71k mi (9.2018) -> 81k (9.2019) -> 100k (9.2021) -> 123k (8.2025)
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SOLD : 2003 X5 3.0 - 177k mi (9.2018) -> 186k (9.2019) -> 205k (9.2021)
SOLD : 1997 328is Coupe - Hellrot Red
SOLD : 1988 528e w/ Bullseye s256 / MS2 Extra / GC Coilovers / Yukon Coils ~ 300+ HP